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Dietary supplement

Fennel Seed Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Banyan Botanicals

Fennel Seed label
See full label image
Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Fennel Seed against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Fennel Seed is a dietary supplement by Banyan Botanicals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and bloating, infant colic, menstrual cramps.Based on those ingredients, 740 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fennel. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 30, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product is 100% fennel seed — a single active ingredient with no other fillers or binders. Fennel has been used traditionally to support digestion and ease menstrual discomfort, and it comes here in a whole-seed form, ready to brew as a tea.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Fennel's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive fire and urinary tract comfort.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Colic, Nausea and vomiting, Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Fennel is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Fennel is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Nausea and vomiting, and more.

The evidence is strongest for fennel's use in dysmenorrhea (painful periods), where it's rated possibly effective. For bronchitis, anxiety, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), and cholera, the evidence on file is insufficient to establish whether it works.

If you're considering it for one of those other purposes, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current evidence supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Fennel

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Fennel is generally well tolerated when taken orally — most people don't have problems with it. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort, sensitivity to sunlight, and allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it.

Rare but serious, seizures have been reported. If you have a fennel or anise allergy, you'll want to avoid this product.

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, the safety data advises against medicinal or concentrated amounts of fennel due to limited safety data and its hormone-like effects. Food amounts are likely fine during breastfeeding, but medicinal doses haven't been well studied.

If you're pregnant or nursing and want to use fennel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Fennel

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Fennel.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 741 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), birth control, hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen, or ciprofloxacin. Fennel may reduce how well some of these work or increase your bleeding risk.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Fennel seed may help with painful periods, but it interacts with blood thinners, birth control, hormone therapy, and several other medications — so check your full medication list with your own doctor or pharmacist before you start. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding in medicinal amounts, get personalized guidance first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 24, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Fennel Seed, straight from the product label.

Brand Banyan Botanicals
Barcode (UPC) 618192063224
Net contents 0.5 lb; 227 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 305632
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Teaspoon(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Teaspoon(s)
Servings per container
95
UPC/BARCODE
618192063224
IngredientAmount% DV
Fennel1 Teaspoon(s)--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Foeniculum vulgare Organic ayurvedic herbs

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an excellent herb for supporting a healthy, comfortable digestive experience. It is especially useful for strengthening the digestive fire without aggravating pitta. The roasted seeds are commonly served post meal in Indian restaurants to support digestion and to freshen the breath. Fennel combines well with cumin and coriander and makes a great digestive tea. It also soothes the urinary tract and promotes healthy urination.

Formulation

Organic ayurvedic herbs USDA Organic

Supporting your ayurvedic lifestyle

Non GMO

Enkindles the digestive fire without aggravating pitta Supports a comfortable post meal experience Supports healthy urination and soothes the urinary tract Calms and soothes the nerves and muscles

Sustainably sourced

Certified organic by: QAI

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: steep 1 teaspoon per one cup of hot water and strain. Drink tea once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner. You may also use as a culinary spice.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of this product.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Fairly traded Banyan Botanicals was founded in 1996 with the mission to help people achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being. As an ayurvedic lifestyle company, we specialize in products made from ayurvedic herbs that are organically grown, sustainably sourced, fairly traded, and made in the USA. Banyan is committed to providing exceptional customer service, inspiring educational content, and the highest quality Ayurvedic herbs that are safe, pure, and effective. Illuminate your path to well-being Get your free ayurvedic profile at banyanbotanicals.com/illuminate

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Fennel Seed label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container95 Amounts shown are per serving.

Fennel

Interacts with
740 drugs
1 Teaspoon(s) per serving

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some sm...

Fennel monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fennel Seed?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
740Drugs
740 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Fennel 740

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Fennel Seed interact with 740 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Fennel Seed interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Fennel

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fennel Seed with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Fennel6 drug types · 740 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fennel might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Animal research suggests that fennel oil has antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, fennel might decrease the levels and clinical effects of ciprofloxacin.

Animal research shows that fennel reduces ciprofloxacin bioavailability by nearly 50%, possibly due to the metal cations such as calcium, iron, and magnesium contained in fennel. This study also found that fennel increased tissue distribution and slowed elimination of ciprofloxacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the effects of contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, fennel might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

In vitro research suggests that fennel inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity, which may interfere with the antiestrogenic activity of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fennel full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fennel Seed, from the product label.

Banyan Botanicals

See all Banyan Botanicals products
Name
Banyan Botanicals
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
ZipCode
87113
Phone Number
1-800-953-6424
Web Address
www.banyanbotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fennel Seed has a known interaction with 740 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fennel Seed contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does fennel seed really help with period cramps?
The evidence suggests it possibly does help with dysmenorrhea (painful periods). That's the use with the strongest research backing, though more study would be helpful. If you try it, give it a fair trial and let your doctor know if it seems to make a difference for you.
Can I use fennel seed while taking birth control?
Not without checking first. Fennel may reduce how well your contraceptive works because some of its compounds mimic estrogen in your body. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them — they may need to adjust your plan or recommend a different approach.
Is fennel safe if I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against medicinal or concentrated amounts of fennel during pregnancy due to limited safety data and its possible hormone-like effects. If you're pregnant and interested in fennel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate fennel well. The most common side effects are stomach discomfort, sun sensitivity, and allergic reactions in people with a fennel or anise allergy. Serious side effects like seizures are rare.
Can I take this with ciprofloxacin (Cipro)?
Animal research shows fennel may cut ciprofloxacin levels in half, which could make the antibiotic less effective. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking them together — you may need to adjust timing or use a different approach.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Fennel Seed label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fennel Seed’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Fennel

Interacts with 740 drugs

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some small studies suggest possible benefit for...

Read the full Fennel monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fennel Seed's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Fennel 17 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1391-6.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al. [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatrica 1994;83:683. PubMed
  7. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  8. Tognolini, M., Ballabeni, V., Bertoni, S., Bruni, R., Impicciatore, M., and Barocelli, E. Protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and anethole in an experimental model of thrombosis. Pharmacol.Res 2007;56(3):254-260. PubMed
  9. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  10. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
  11. Subehan, Zaidi, S. F., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Inhibition on human liver cytochrome P450 3A4 by constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): identification and characterization of a mechanism-based inactivator. J Agric.Food Chem. 12-12-2007;55(25):101 PubMed
  12. LEVY, S. B. Bronchial asthma due to ingestion of fennel and fennel seed. Ann.Allergy 1948;6(4):415.
  13. Ottolenghi, A., De Chiara, A., Arrigoni, S., Terracciano, L., and De Amici, M. [Diagnosis of food allergy caused by fruit and vegetables in children with atopic dermatitis]. Pediatr Med Chir 1995;17(6):525-530.
  14. Trabace L, Tucci P, Ciuffreda L, et al. "Natural" relief of pregnancy-related symptoms and neonatal outcomes: above all do no harm. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;174:396-402. PubMed
  15. Denaxa D, Arkwright PD. Fennel as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity to toothpaste. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;125(1):99-100. PubMed
  16. Lee HW, Ang L, Lee MS, Alimoradi Z, Kim E. Fennel for reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 2020;12(11):3438. PubMed
  17. Mathew T, John SK, Javali M, Vasireddy M, Nadig R, Sarma GRK. Substance use related cluster headache: A case series. Headache 2022;62(7):908-910. PubMed

See these in context on the Fennel monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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